The Bottom Line
For some time now, underground dance music audiences have known M.I.A. is an artist who should not be ignored. Now, thanks in part to its inclusion in advertising for the film Pineapple Express, mainstream pop audiences are discovering one of the most powerful artists in contemporary dance-pop. "Paper Planes" leaves an instant impression, and it is very difficult to ignore.
Pros
- Gunshots make the song impossible to ignore
- Lyrically angry and world-weary at the same time
- Expands the boundaries of current pop music
Cons
- No negatives
Description
- Written by Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, Diplo, Joe Strummer and Mick Jones
- Produced by Diplo, additional production by Switch
- Released February 2008 by Interscope
Guide Review - M.I.A. - "Paper Planes"
Using a riff from "Straight to Hell" by the Clash and negative, violent stereotypes of immigrants as source material, M.I.A. has fashioned one of the most bracing pop hits in recent history. It's all wrapped in a gently rolling, almost lazy sounding package so laidback that the first time you hear the gunshots it may jolt you out of your seat. "Paper Planes" manages to wrap irresistible catchiness, political relevance, and musical surprises in one tight package. That is a rare achievement.
M.I.A. is intimately familiar with the immigrant experience. Although she was born in London, her family moved back to their homeland of Sri Lanka when she was very young. Her father took a key role in the civil war in Sri Lanka which ultimately caused M.I.A., her mother, and her siblings, to return to London as refugees. The musical stew of "Paper Planes" takes cues from a wide range of cultural influences. The song's patchwork world beat style expands the boundaries of current hit pop music.
Sales of "Paper Planes" are taking off quickly. It remains to be seen if widespread radio airplay will follow. However, M.I.A. will be difficult to ignore. Sit back, slowly dance along to "Paper Planes," and be thankful those gunshots aren't in your neighborhood.
